The antique work tables aren't in working order.... yet. Only one base wa s there, but I have several 4x4x12' ash, to make another base. The table to ps are in pretty good shape, for their age.... I am pleased with their cond ition. The vises are in good working shape, but the faces could use some repairs/resurfacing. I have some scrap hard maple that should do the tric k.
The problem areas are the underside runners and other bracings, that align and guide the vices, as they are opened and closed.
1) One vice's wooden thread guide (a threaded block the screw-shaft thread s through), under the table, is broken. This might can be glued back toge ther. 2) Almost all the underside attachments are loose, making the vices not op en or close easily or properly. The screws or bolts need to be tightened and the attachments likely need to be aligned and fitted in perfect/near pe rfect positions. I think some fairly simple maintenance work will fix the se issues. 3) All those underside wooden fittings, etc. probably would slide/glide mu ch more smoothly after some wax and buffing is applied to the mating surfac es.I haven't had a chance to fully assess everything in detail, but the above is the basic issues I've surmised, so for. As they are, an average buyer would think they are not worth the $610 I had bid/paid. My first impressi on, when seeing them, wasn't too good, either. But the table tops are sti ll solid and heavy. The vises are intact. "Everything" seems to just ne ed some good maintenance work and care, for them to be in good or reasonabl e working order.
The guy, at Baker, said they came from their Wisconsin (home) factory (whic h had closed) and had been stashed at the Hickory site, along with other st uff from the Wisconsin site.
I think, when they get fixed up, I'll be happy with my purchase. I simply like old tools, anyway, so I like the idea of just seeing them in my shop. I don't fish too much, anymore, so maybe I can dream up a lie, or two, to tell friends and family, as a rationale for having them or to entertain t hose folks.
Sonny